were you ever tempted to scar your face?

greece sees unmoved, god’s daughter, born of love, the beauty of cool feet and slenderest knees, could love indeed the maid, only if she were laid, white ash amid funereal cypresses. helen of no-one but herself. elene petrakis. rift. 3,000+. archivist.

[shisasan]

𝙼𝚒𝚔𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚕 𝙱𝚞𝚕𝚐𝚊𝚔𝚘𝚟, 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚊 (𝟷𝟿𝟸𝟾-𝟷𝟿𝟺𝟶)

[elenepetrakis]

( @sofiamcrales )

[elenepetrakis]

rheadiamondis​:

What would she have done about it? “The world is changing.” Really she should have come prepared with some kind of speech, but there hadn’t been time. But Medusa knows she needs Helen, that she could be detrimental. “Men will always be cruel, but we are making things better. We still have a ways to go, but progress is being made.” It’d been something she’d looked up after her first few weeks in Corinth. But as to where she would start, she wasn’t entirely sure as of yet, how to go about her goal. There isn’t much a pitch to give the woman, but she has to try. “I want to start here. I have power, I wish to share it to help the women of Corinth, those that have been wronged by the gods in general. I think that’s something you’d like to be a part of.”

+

There’s a silence that lingers in the air, as Elene weighs her offer. She is not one to leap before looking, not anymore, after such behavior had only led her into trouble so long ago. Her trust can be so hard to earn, sometimes. There is too much still shrouded about this, not enough information offered, it has her wary. “You ask of me to assist you, and yet do not even offer your name.” She says pointedly. Though it is clear the other rift is much aware of who she is, Elene cannot say the same in return. “How can I work with someone I do not know? Do not trust?” Only a fool would make such an agreement. 

[elenepetrakis]

asterxalseides​:

“You did enough.” Aster did not expect much of her or any mortal- divinely touched or no. But she surprised him, something that did not happen often. So much of this world had changed, his friends were long dead, his sisters, and all his brothers save for one. The children he’d sired were bones beneath the earth, long residents of Hades kingdom. The dryad did not know how he fit in with the changing tide but there was a comfort, however small, in the knowledge that he was not entirely alone. Aster had love and newfound friends, while it did not eclipse his loss, or rage, it was a start. “Kind words, I will do what I can not to hold you to them.” Aster offered in return, though he could never be certain. 

+

A part of her wishes to argue him on it, because it certainly does not feel as if she had done enough, but instead Elene holds her tongue and offers him a grateful nod. Perhaps it is enough that Aster believes such of her, that he would be willing to extend such a hand of friendship where it hadn’t existed before. “Whatever comes, know that you have a friend and ally within me, always.” Elene’s loyalty is given sparingly, but there are none more so close to her heart than the dryads, aside from Paris. But it is so easy to include him one and the same, when they all hold great love for each other as well. “Even if it is only to help you become accustomed to this new world, I would be glad to help.” 

[elenepetrakis]

milos-othonos​:

Milos held the ring box out, placing it in the woman’s pale palm. He was sure that he had never seen anyone quite as fair as her, down to the white hair that flowed over her shoulders— but he was quick to speak rather than note such things. “I had it enchanted, it will pass every inspection that there might be put upon it.” Normally, he would not have gone to such measures; simply leaving an empty case would have been enough for the kobalos, but he did not wish a future between the two of them where Elif’s ring was constantly on the look out as a priceless stolen artifact. “No trick, I swear to Dionysus.” His patron had likely not had an oath in his name in many years, and Milos wondered if he snorted in the heavens as a result of it. “I’ll be gone before you return,” he said, passing off a smile. “Thank you.” This much was earnest, without his wiles or mirth, and as she departed and he worked at lifting the glass he called to her retreating back— “I’ll be sure to invite you to the wedding.”

+

It feels a bit like a betrayal of herself, to willingly allow him to walk away with something so precious. But Elene keeps to her word, and she does not return to the room where she knows the kobalos to be, instead pacing the floor outside of her office. Perhaps she is foolish, to trust him at his word, when his kind are known liars and tricksters. There is a tender place inside of the rift’s heart that wants to believe in him, though — in the plea for his love, that someone could care about another so much. The moment the clock strikes two minutes past, Elene turns on her heels and walks with purpose back towards the display room. She doesn’t know whether to feel relief or disappointment when she finds it empty, the kobalos long gone along with what she can only assume is the genuine ring he coveted. Elene lets out a soft sigh, rubbing her temples gently before deciding there is nothing else to be done. She has already made her choice, and now simply must live with it, hoping her judgment call was correct.

( END. ) 

[elenepetrakis]

vclkyric​:

    “I am well aware of the tragedies in this world.” Freya had traveled to many of them to bring the fallen heroes to Valhalla. It just so happened that the veil here in Corinth had been torn, and therefore attracted supernatural tragedies more than many other places in this world. “There’s just a lot of chaos happening here because of the veil, and the Gods, and whatever new supernatural villain who thinks they can take over the world.” Freya was just trying to keep as many of the innocent as protected as possible. “I just think we should make sure no one innocent ends up as collateral damage.”

“Of course. I did not mean to imply otherwise.” Elene’s head cants lightly in deference to Freya. She has no intentions of making an argument with the other woman, to belittle anything she has endured. It is not her place, and she does not know the other rift’s story to make such a judgment. “The innocent always die when the gods play at war with each other. I do not think we can prevent it.” It is a bitter, harsh truth, unfair to the mortals of this world and yet that hardly matters to the divine. “But to attempt to save as many as we can from it, that I agree.”

[elenepetrakis]

sofiamcrales​:

     “No one in their right state of mind trusts anyone else easily.” At least not in the fury’s world. Those who handed out trust without a second thought were naive and often killed quite quickly. But a meeting was all she could ask for, and she would try her best not to ruin this chance. “A true fighter then.” Something Sofia was incredibly fond of, she could relate to a fighter, especially one who lived with the Amazons. “I dreamt of that when I was a child. To live with the Amazons.” She had also dreamt of living with whales, but that was an almost embarrassing piece of information, no matter how much she loved those animals. Certainly not something she wanted to tell Elene. “Thank you for arranging this, Elene. I promise I will try my best and honor your work.”

“Yes. That is the unfortunate circumstance of this world.” Elene learned it for herself, all too well. Trust is not so easily given, except by the hands of fools and charlatans — and attempting to determine which from which can often be dangerous. “Warriors of legend, a society of all women. Sounds like a paradise, does it not?” Elene had never had the chance to know any in her life, but she remembers watching them on the beaches of Troy, defending the city against the Greeks. How many had died that day? No more than the rest of the casualties, she supposes, and yet the thought still brings her a sadness. She offers Sofia a small smile, accompanied by a gentle nod of her head. “I only hope that it works out for you.” Elene has done what she can in order to assist, but the rest is on the fury. 

[elenepetrakis]

parisxashar​:

Paris was calmed fairly easily, Helen still having that effect on him. After all, their souls were one, and he could only rest if she was safe. Her power outweighed his, and he would do anything to ensure that stayed that way. “It’s a life on the run, I guess. Didn’t you hear? Us manticores are fugitives of Tartarus. Still into bad boys?” He managed a smile, taking her hand from his cheek and holding onto it with both of his hands. “Theseus. So he got out, too? Say the word and I’ll give him nightmares. Or…whatever it is I can do.” He knew it had something to do with fears, at least. “Well…just know that you’re always welcome. With me – and the dryads. There’s furies around, who know what will happen. But why did you come here? To Corinthia?”

“A fugitive you may be, but you are not bad, Paris.” Whatever he may be now, this new nature that he’s been turned into, Elene refuses to see him as a villain. Manticores may be the creation of Typhon, intended to be monsters by design, but he shall always be Paris first, and in the end the decisions are his own. “No, no. Leave him be. I do not wish to make strife with anyone, only to inform you, should the two of you cross paths within the city.” So long as Theseus does not serve as threat to herself or those she cares about, then Elene does not wish to see him bothered. “I heard rumors that the dryads had reawakened, and had to come see for myself if it were true. There is nothing I would not do in order to help them.”

[lannisten]

✵ Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones 8.01 Winterfell

[elenepetrakis]

penelcpes​:

Penelope nodded, and she looked out through the city— cobblestone and asphalt ate up most of what had once been forest, and every year it inched further and further outwards to claim what was still wild. Soon, everything that had once been lush would be curbed under the cold nature of the city, of civilization, and there would be so little left. She tried to imagine the world as it was, but it seemed as though the past was something heavy to wade through— the thoughts were unwilling to be sifted: so much lay between then and now, it was difficult to imagine what it was like to emerge into this new world without any experience at all. “If they wish for privacy, I can give that as well.” But curiosity would press her towards the edge of the trees, they knew it to be just as certain as the rise of the sun. “So many people have risen from the past to walk through Corinth,” she murmured, looking again at Helen. “I wonder who else will find their way to the bay.”

+

“I would prefer a kind face to see them, over someone of unknown intentions.” Most in this world have forgotten their existence over time, unaware of the capabilities of their power. But Elene does not doubt for a moment that if they were to become so aware, there are many in this city that would seek to use them for their own gains. Penelope, she trusts, would not betray them in such a way. “And I find it difficult to imagine that they would take offense to you.” Clever and gentle, a better person than Elene could ever have dreamt of becoming. She does not mind encouraging her association with the dryads, knowing they would all be equally safe in each other’s company. “I’ve found many shadows of days passed linger in this city,” she says, eyeing the coffee cup that sits before her rather than meeting Penelope’s gaze. “Both good and bad.”

[elenepetrakis]

vclkyric​:

     “I prefer the silence, actually.” Freya came from a land where there were wide landscapes, silent nights, and she loved just watching the sun set with no noise around them. “It is just that it seems in this city, silence never means anything good. It’s more the calm before the storm. And that worries me.” It was maybe too big of an admittance to make to a stranger, but Freya would not take the words back now. “I think at this point, it is more a matter of what will happen next.”

“One could say that is the case anywhere on this earth.” Tragedies, disasters, there is no end to them. So long as time keeps moving, so shall the destruction and rebuilding of this world. “The gods have found more foothold here, it’s true, but the world outside is not so spared of their antics. Nor anyone else of particular strong magic.” Perhaps a life without magic would bring the most peace to this place, but it would be quite the high price to pay, and is an argument for other rifts to make. To Elene, she is content to not become involved. “Still, it is good to be on guard. You never quite know what awaits.”

[elenepetrakis]

sofiamcrales​:

    Sofia had spotted a familiar head of blonde hair from her spot in the waves, and even if she could have easily spent another hour on her surfboard, she decided to swim back to the shore. She pushed her wet hair back from her face and made her way through the sand towards Elene, offering a smile as a greeting. “I understand,” she agreed with a nod, before putting her board down and taking a seat next to Elene. “And what do you think of my chances? Will I be able to convince her?”

“The dryads are not unreasonable, but they are also not quick to offer their trust.” It would ultimately be up to Sofia, to convince them of the fact that she can be trustworthy. While Elene’s voice was enough to broker the meeting, in the end, it must only be their decision as to whether or not they agree. It is not something she can ask of them personally. “Show her your intentions are true, and I believe she’ll give you what you seek.” The dryad is a fiery one, but not contrary simply for the sake of it. Elene has to believe she would be willing to impart a fair judgment. “Her name is Aella. She once lived among the Amazons, in their sacred city. Perhaps she shall see similarity between them and you.”

[iliacl]

helen, i wonder, are you remembered for your smile, or for your teeth? we all know the face that launched but who will mourn for the girl that loved?

– [ dear mother’s keeping ] a.g. (via iliacl)

[elenepetrakis]

It is not particularly difficult to find Sofia again, she has a guess that the fury enjoys the beach based off their last encounter. It just so happens that Elene lives not too far away from one of the public coasts, and she does not figure it would take long for their paths to cross again. She’s only proven correct, when her eyes spy the woman in the waves, and waits patiently on the shoreline for her return. “I spoke with one of the dryads. She is willing to consider it, but requests to speak with you herself first.” And Elene can hardly fault her for that. To give it up to someone unknown, even at the rift’s request, is a lot to ask of the dryad. “To give up their wood is not something done lightly, nor to just anyone.” ( @sofiamcrales​ )

[elenepetrakis]

parisxashar​:

“If someone – anyone – threatens you now…” Paris trailed off, the person nearest to the pair of them beginning to have a panic attack. He released them after a moment, unsure of how out of control he could get if he didn’t have a grip on his emotions. The abilities of a manticore were new enough to him. “Sorry I – I just mean that if anyone hurt you, I’d handle it. I can, now. Before was a different time. But I’ll do better this time.” Paris let out a breath, “You’re not to blame for your sister. I’m not to blame for my brother. But I can take the blame for everything else.” It was his fault, manipulated and victim to the gods. “We’ll figure it out. I’ve been staying with the dryads. Where are you staying? You can stay with me. If you need a place.”

“There are none here that threaten me,” Elene soothes, offering Paris a soft smile as she cups his cheek gently, in an attempt to snap him out of whatever state he is in that effects those around them. At least, none that have been so bold as to make it known to her, but even so, she will not be taken for a fool once again. “I believe you, Paris. But I do not want you to put yourself at risk for me. You have been blessed with new life, too, and I will not see you lose it again.” Not for her. Elene has never been worth the blood that’s been shed in her name, least of all his. “Theseus is here. He found me.” It seems like something she should mention, the fact that he is amongst them in this city gives credence to the idea that it might only be a matter of time before he and Paris meet. She would rather him be forewarned. “But I do not believe he intends me harm. He apologized, if you can believe it.” It is something Elene still has a bit difficulty wrapping her thoughts around, but the other rift seemed sincere in his efforts. She shakes her head lightly, bright curls falling over her shoulders in the action. “The dryads will keep you safe. Do not worry for me, I have my own home near the beach.”

[elenepetrakis]

milos-othonos​:

Milos reached for his pocket, pulling out the box that he had tucked away there. “I had this one enchanted,” he said, opening the lid with his thumb to show the rift the ring that lay inside— an exact replica, likely worth a fortune for the jewels alone. “It will past any test that is put upon it, anyone would think it to be genuine.” He glanced back at the glass case, at the ring that lay inside. “That is one of the first of its kind, I had it made as such. Two stones, a sapphire and diamond, toi et moi.” The kobalos offered a small smile, catching a bit of their shared reflection in the glass. He had some considerations as to who this woman was, she had a pull that he knew only from myth, but he didn’t speak of that aloud. “I have promised her a life that is far from ordinary,” Milos said, “To share my past with her. This ring is part of it, a tie between someone I once was, to the person I am now. It is important for us.”

+

Elene’s lips purse in thought, as she stares at the ring the kobalos holds in his hand. From first glance, it’s true that it looks identical to the true ring. But the idea crosses her mind that he could simply be attempting to play her, in a bid to get what he wants. She would certainly not put it past one of his nature, to think himself more clever than anyone else. “Give it here,” she says, holding out her hand to take it, to look at it up close for herself. But Elene’s inspection finds no flaws; none that can be seen without intense scrutiny under a magnifying glass, any how. A pity that she does not have one on her. “If I find this in any way to be a trick, I will find you and make sure you live to regret it, kobalos.” She warns, her voice firm and sharp as blue eyes return to the man in front of her. Only a fool would underestimate a demigoddess — even one who does not truly claim such status anymore. “Consider this your first and only grace. If you try such a stunt again, I will have you strung up by your toes and left to hang on display.” Elene hands back the ring, a sigh escaping from her lips as she eyes him warily. “I will be gone for two minutes. Make the switch and get out of here. Take only the ring.”

[medievalthymes]

moodboard: helen of troy

↦ also known as helen of sparta. daughter of zeus. mortal princess who’s abduction by paris of troy started the trojan war. 

[elenepetrakis]

sofiamcrales​:

      “That I can offer as well.” Sofia’s words were accompanied by a small smile as she glanced over at the other woman, trying to figure out who she was aside of the one who had saved her life. Holding onto her surfboard, she ran her other hand through hair salty from the ocean, enjoying the way the cool evening breeze brushed past them. “You don’t have to thank me. Like I said, I owe you.” The fury looked ahead, trying to figure out what she could say next. the truth was, she was not very good at small talk. She had never been. “I feel like we might all be in need of some company around here.” Even if Sofia often didn’t want to admit it, being happy with Ophelia and Laila, at times the fury felt lonely. She supposed everyone did.

The walk is short, as she promised. It’s one of the thing Elene likes best about the cozy home she’s managed to stake claim on in this city, how close it is to the sea. There isn’t much to say, the silence that stretches in the air between them is comfortable and pleasant, until they arrive at the cozy little abode. Like Elene predicted, Nestra sits in the window waiting, a sight that causes her to smile as she pauses at the small gate out front — not a true deterrent, but simply decoration. “I will with you again soon, once I’ve made the request of the dryads,” she promises, her head turning towards Sofia. “You will not have to wait for an answer longer.” Nor with knowing that the rift holds something over her head. Elene considers reaching a hand out, to offer some form of physical assurance, but instead she simply nods her head. It’s with one last parting smile that she turns, and begins to walk up the steps of her home. 

( END. )